Julia Gillard (Lalor, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

I was asked a question which went to the continuation of this business, its welfare and its ability to provide work for Australians, and I am addressing that question. In addressing that question, I think it is relevant to note that the government wants to provide that business with a tax cut as part of ensuring that Australians around the nation get a fair share of the resources boom. I understand that those opposite are opposed to this business getting its fair share of the resources boom—they want it to pay more tax—but I do not think that members opposite can come into this parliament and feign concern about individual businesses and not acknowledge that they are opposed to providing those businesses with a tax cut.

On the question of carbon pricing and that business, and Australian businesses generally, we are determined to make sure that we seize the benefits of a clean energy future and that we do it in the most cost-effective way—that is, we do it in a way that is best for Australian businesses and Australian working people, because it is at the least cost. That is the plan of the government, a least-cost plan, and it stands in stark contrast to the shambolic, expensive scheme that that Leader of the Opposition advocates—

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